Blog: Flying Under the F1 Radar: Two who should be part of the game next year!

The successful debut of two young pilots has almost gone unnoticed due to the euphoria over Robert Kubica’s return during the test drives after the Hungarian GP.

On the first test day Charles Leclerc achieved best time with Ferrari. Leclerc, of course, is a familiar name as leader in Formula 2 and as last year’s GP3 Champion. The Ferrari junior driver reached the fastest lap on the yellow soft tyres, thus confirming that he is ripe for Formula 1.

On the second day a certain Lando Norris was faster in the McLaren than Fernando Alonso during qualifying. Admittedly while using the ultra-soft tyres. Nevertheless, it’s an impressive start for the second-placed driver in Formula 3. What the young Brit has already achieved explains everything: Kart World Champion in 2014, British Formula 4 Master in 2015, Formula Renault Europe Cup Master in 2016.

Both drivers are top gun contenders for Formula 1, but where should they be driving? With the help of a dowry from Ferrari, Leclerc might have a chance to get a seat with Sauber. However, it will be really difficult for McLaren junior driver Lando Norris to find a cockpit. Formula 1 lacks newcomer teams like Toro Rosso as part of Red Bull. Marussia was the last team in which drivers were able to gain their F1 wings. This is reason enough why we urgently need more teams in Formula 1!